Dorothy Jean (Baldwin) Hesler

March 17, 1963 ~ August 22, 2024

Absent from the body, but present with the Lord.  

With charm, charity, and courage, Dorothy displayed to all of us how to live a glorious, Christian, meaningful life.  It was not just a lucky day for her on that St. Patrick’s Day when she was born, but also for everyone who was blessed to know her.  Her time here on earth seemed too short.  We could all have enjoyed a little more of her kindness, graciousness, and fun-filled spirit who made loving and serving others look so effortless. Because she loved her Lord Jesus supremely and had accepted His gift of eternal life as a young girl, she was met by His open arms and living embrace on Thursday, August 22nd after a long battle with cancer.  She was born to Clifford and Marilyn Baldwin and grew up in Delphi, Indiana, attended school there and also Lafayette Baptist School.  She graduated from Lafayette Baptist and attended Tennessee Temple University.  Shortly thereafter, she met the love of her life, Thomas Hesler.  She refused to settle for anyone who was less than perfect for her ~ he was the one!  They married on June 14th, 1986 at Faith Baptist Church and were blessed with two precious daughters - Jessica and Jenna.  Jenna brought Adam Bordner into their family, and they loved him like a son.  Dorothy’s favorite child to love soon became Andi Jean - their darling granddaughter.  Her life passion was loving children!  She “raised” many of them from 8am-5pm in her “Dot’s Tots” daycare and cared for each one like her own.  She had a way of making each day a treasure for her kiddos as she kept them learning, laughing, and loving one another during the time she consistently trained them.  Her 34 years of keeping children kept her young at heart and ever so busy until her illness caused her to retire a bit earlier than originally planned. Time is a gift, and anyone who had a moment with this God-honoring lady knows that she lived her life to give Him all the glory.  She did it so faithfully throughout her lifetime, and she did it until her death parted us. She will forever be a bright “Dot” in the lives of all who knew her, and we look forward to the day of our reunion. Her absence leaves our hearts yearning for heaven, but we are forever grateful for the present she was to all of us. Dorothy’s funeral arrangements will be held at Faith Church in Lafayette, Indiana. The viewing will be Thursday, August 29th from 4-8PM with a funeral service there Friday, August 30th at 10AM, Pastor Steve Viars officiating. The graveside burial will be private for the family. To view her obit or send an online condolence to the family, visit: http://www.abbottfuneralhome.com 
Abbott Funeral Home, Inc., Delphi, is assisting the family with arrangements.